Present at the `event' were all leading candidates and a posse of mediapersons. There was a draw of lots to decide which of the 15 galas should be opened. Minutes later the blacksmith slammed the hammer on the crossbar that sealed the shutters of gala number 1, where the ballot boxes of the Thane constituency were stored. As the shutters were raised, all present peered into the gala, adjusting their eyes to the darkness, ears sharpened for the tell-tale squeak. But nothing was forthcoming and a greatly relieved Khullar led the party around to show the ballot boxes neatly sealed in white cloth and lined across the 400sq ft room.

``Now I've seen the boxes intact perhaps I will be able to sleep well tonight,'' said Thane Shiv Sena candidate for Lok Sabha, Prakash Paranjpe As if not to leave anything to chance, another room containing the ballot boxes of the Belapur constituency was also opened, with similar result. ``We were aware that this is a rodent-infested area so we ensured that the entire area was fumigated before the ballot boxes were brought in. All the exit points of each of the galas were then plastered or sealed, to ensure the safety of the ballot boxes,'' said Khullar.

Justifying his decision to inspect the ballot boxes, Khullar said: ``Since the boxes are to be stored for a long time, we did not want any doubt in the minds of the political parties and the public about their safekeeping.''Incidentally, this is the longest period in the history of India's elections, where the ballot boxes will be stored for more than five weeks, before the counting begins. In all, 3381 ballot boxes have been stored in the15 APMC galas.

The Collector displayed the extensive arrangements made to ensure the safety of the ballot-boxes, till they are opened for counting of votes on October 10. Two armed platoons of the State Reserve Police (SRP) have been employed to safeguard the cordoned area containing the ballot boxes.

On being questioned whether the permission of the Chief Election Officer had been sought for opening the seal of the galas, Khullar replied: ``There is a provision under the EC rules, to take any appropriate action necessary at the local level, with the participation of the returning officer.'' Among the leading candidates present at the APMC market were, local Sena leaders M D Joshi and Vitthalrao More, Thane Congress candidate, Subhash Kanade and Ambarnath strongman, Pundlik Mhatre, who is contesting as an independent.